If you've been following along for the past few months, then it will come as little surprise that the date for LinuxCon is closing fast. Beginning this coming Monday, geeks from all corners of geekdom will descend on Portland to learn about Linux straight from the mouths of the masters, including a beardless Bdale Garbee, Ubuntu's Mark Shuttleworth, and the man himself, Linus Torvalds. They schedule also includes the obligatory sessions and seminars, networking opportunities, discounted certification exams, a Penguin-based bowling tournament fundraiser, and the (melo)dramatic unmasking of the Fake Linuses Torvalds.

For those looking to get in on the fun, there is much that can still be done. Though the Early Bird rate has flown the coop, standard registration is still available for $499, with a 30% discount for Linux Foundation members. (Thats a $50 savings — $150 off the conference price minus the $100 membership fee.) Those pursuing higher education can avail themselves of the $199 student rate, as well. Likewise, those interested in the training courses on the schedule — September 19 - 20 — can still register and receive a 20% discount off the $1099 registration fee.

Before the festivities begin in Portland, however, is the all-important Software Freedom Day, arriving this Sunday, September 20th. Advocates around the world will be spreading the word of the wonders of Open Source with all manner of events, from small local gatherings to nationwide gatherings. One such gathering is the New Zealand celebration, a free celebration convening at the Wellington Convention Centre in Wellington on Sunday from 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Event organizers have planned a festival for all ages, including an introduction to programming and Barcamp for those of primary-school age, sessions for older students on careers in the tech industry and the job-enhancing aspects of Open Source expertise.

The always-popular Install Fest, a staple of SFD celebrations, will be underway, with users having the opportunity to have Open Source software installed on their systems, with expert assistance and advice as well as popular Open Source applications available to take home. Those with a love of code can participate in the SuperHappyDevHouse/One Laptop Per Child/DigitalNZ-sponsored Hackfest, which will also include demonstrations of OLPC systems by the OLPC team. And, of course, what would a gigantic gathering be without vendors — locals using Open Source in their work will be showing off their crafts, gadgetry, and other goods in the Makerspace.

Woah, WHOA there!
You missed the best Linux conference on the east coast. The Ohio Linux Fest (http://ohiolinux.org) which happens just a few short days away on Sept 25/6/7th. Having been to many many other conferences, where this one stands out is it is a very community driven event. This is great stuff and if you are anywhere near the eastern U.S. you are doing yourself a disservice not to attend!